National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
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A Sad Saga of the Sands
The Destroyer HMS Cleveland survived WWII but was brought down by the sands of Rhossili, Gower, en route to the breakers in Llanelli in 1957.
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Overview
The HMS Cleveland, a Destroyer built for service in WWII, survived support and convoy escort duties in the Channel, the Mediterranean and the Aegean but broke her tow when being moved in 1957 from Cardiff, where she had been laid up, to the breakers at Llanelli, and ran aground on Rhossili Beach, Gower. Efforts to refloat her failed and she was eventually broken up on the beach, having attracted a lot of interest from the public, many of whom chose to ignore the ‘Keep Off’ signs.
The HMS Cleveland was a Type 1 Hunt Class Destroyer and, having been brought low by sand, was eventually destroyed with the aid of dynamite. This film was shot by Evan Morgan of Pontypridd, a member of Cardiff Amateur Cine Society and a keen motorcyclist and camper. His wife and daughter feature amongst those looking at the huge but broken hulk.
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